DeSantis leaving Florida to become Trump’s secretary of Defense would make Jeanette Nuñez the first woman governor in Florida.

If President-elect Donald Trump taps Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) to be his next secretary of defense over current nominee Pete Hegseth, it will upend the 2026 governor race in the Sunshine State. Hegseth’s nomination remains in jeopardy as Republican senators voice growing concerns about his past conduct with women and alcohol,

As president-elect Donald Trump considers Ron DeSantis to lead the Pentagon, many Floridians may be wondering: Who will be governor if he takes the job? The answer is Jeanette Núñez.